Equipment Dealers

Astronomy Equipment Dealers

Here are links to the major astronomy dealer’s websites. These dealers stock everything astronomy related – telescopes, mounts, cameras, adapters, accessories, etc. Each site may have their own branded equipment and stock items from various manufacturers.

Cameras

When it comes to cameras, accessories, tripods and everything camera related, you can’t beat B&H Photo and Video

Telescopes

There are many, many choices out there in a wide range of prices. See the Eclipse Photo Guide – Telescopes for more information on good scopes for the eclipse. Here are a few suggestions.

There are many computerized, go to scopes / mounts similar to the SkyProdigy; the Celestron NexStar and Meade ETX series packages offer many options; many have Schmidt-Cassegrain or Maksutov scopes – be aware, these have long focal lengths (> 1250mm) and slow optics (f/10 or greater)

H-Alpha Solar Scopes

These scopes offer detailed views of the sun’s surface and flares / prominences

Tracking Equatorial Mounts

Miscellaneous

Adapters / Accessories

Essentials for photographing the eclipse

T-Mounts (T-Rings)– required to mount DSLR to a telescope, brand specific! Here is a Celestron T-Mount for Canon EOS, as an example, $9.79 from B&H

Camera Adapter – you will also need an adapter that attaches to the T-Ring and fits in the telescope’s 1.25” or 2” focuser; here is aCelestron Adapter that fits most Refractors & Reflectors; note that Schmidt-Cassegrains require different T-Rings and Adapters.

Intervalometers – Intervalometers allow you to set exposure, intervals and number of pictures for automatic operation of your camera. Like the T-Rings above, they are brand specific. Here is one from B&H (they carry all brand compatible versions) – Vello Shutterboss II Timer Remote Switch for Canon, $49.95

Software

Selection of software that will help you snag your eclipse calendar shot

Starry Night– A great planetarium and telescope control software, it comes in several versions (prices). Planetarium software greatly facilitates the planning of composite and sequence shots.

Stellarium– I use Stellarium when astro-imaging, nice graphics and easy interface. Like Starry Night, it can project FOV on the sky for different telescope / camera combinations.